Turkey has heavily criticized the Trump Administration’s decision and called it a grave mistake
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Turkey, a NATO ally, due to its S-400 Russian air defense system procurement. The U.S. said that Turkey could have benefitted from the available NATO- interoperable system instead. The decision, which the Trump Administration has taken at the stark end of its reign, can have a long-lasting and damaging impact on the two countries’ relations.
Secretary Pompeo fears for U.S. security
Secretary Mile Pompeo issued a statement, suggesting that the purchase will endanger U.S. personnel and technology. He also said that Turkey should have met its security requirements with NATO’s inter-operable system instead.
“The United States made clear to Turkey at the highest levels and on numerous occasions that its purchase of the S-400 system would endanger the security of U.S. military technology and personnel and provide substantial funds to Russia’s defense sector, as well as Russian access to the Turkish armed forces and defense industry,” Pompeo said.
“Turkey nevertheless decided to move ahead with the procurement and testing of the S-400, despite the availability of alternative, NATO-interoperable systems to meet its defense requirements,” the statement read.
Turkey rejects sanctions
Turkey categorically rejected the U.S. government’s sanctions and said that the defense system would not affect the existing NATO system. The Turkish foreign office said that the government would take decisions accordingly. The Turkish government also termed the decision as a grave mistake, and one Washington should take back right away.
“Turkey will take the necessary steps against this decision, which will inevitably affect our relations in a negative way, and reciprocate in a way and time it sees fit,” the statement said.
Russia, others call the U.S. out over Turkish sanctions
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also criticized the U.S. over the sanctions and called them the evidence of American “arrogance” and would hurt the U.S standing internationally. Iran and Azerbaijan also criticized the Trump Administration over the decision.